Bellhorn Who?

The Red Sox had enough to beat the Rangers last night at Fenway, thanks in large part to a big night from their second baseman. Ty Law is officially a Jet, there are a couple articles on the Bruins and a few media columns in the mix today as well.

As Tony Massarotti points out this morning, offense generally rules in the middle of the summer, and last night’s contest between the sluggers of the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers was a perfect example. Nick Cafardo notes that the win also came amid several lineup and even roster changes. Tony Graffanino was among the offensive stars, Steven Krasner and David Heuschkel chronicle the contributions of the Red Sox second baseman. Paul Teves also leads with the 3-3 night for Graffanino, and Garry Brown says that the former Kansas City Royal may be nailing down the second base job.

Jackie MacMullan takes a further look at Graffanino, noting that the may have put Mark Bellhorn out of a job for the rest of the season with his recent play. Lenny Megliola says that Graffanino was nearly the second baseman last year instead of Bellhorn, but thought that Kansas City would give him a better shot to play. Howard Bryant (subscription only) says that the unwritten rule that you don’t lose your job due to injury is in serious jeopardy in the case of Mark Bellhorn. But Bryant does note that Bellhorn’s job was in jeopardy before he got injured. Joe Haggerty also has a look at Graffanino and his big night against the Rangers and solid contributions all around.

Alex Speier notes that this series between the Red Sox and Rangers is likely to feature offensive fireworks, and looks at the Rangers infield, which certainly has it all over the Red Sox in terms of power. Shalise Manza Young looks at the outing of Sox starter Wade Miller last night. Young states that it appears that Miller might be wearing down. Kelsie Smith also reports on Miller, who lasted only 4 1/3 innings last night. Tony Massarotti reports on the uneventful bullpen session for Keith Foulke yesterday. Howard Bryant looks at Johnny Damon, who continues to battle and have a stellar season despite his injured shoulder.

Brian McGrory has a short column on manager Terry Francona in the Globe. Bill Reynolds does his trademark “Three columns for one” bit and touches on Manny being Manny, Jose Canseco and Antoine Walker leaving town. Bob Halloran says that Manny being Manny just isn’t funny. Smith also has a piece on Roberto Petagine getting his chance to play finally. Eric Benevides has a PawSox notebook where he looks at Adam Hyzdu, Kevin Youkilis and the newest member of the team, reliever Ricky Bottalico.

Ty Law made it official yesterday, signing a multi-year contract with the New York Jets. Adam Kilgore says that there is still some question about the health of Law, as his injury – the Lisfranc injury – is one that could come back to harm a player who relies on speed and cutting. Tom E Curran reports on Law crossing enemy lines and signing with the Jets. Chris Kennedy says that preparing for Law’s departure was one of the offseason priorities for the Patriots, who stockpiled cornerbacks. Rich Thompson and Alan Greenberg look at Law’s ex-teammates wishing him well in New York. Christopher Price compiles a list of Ty Law’s Top 10 Patriot moments.

There are plenty of articles on Law in the New York papers. Some of them lauding Law as the cornerstone for the Jets improved defense. Check out the stories over at the New York Sports News page.

While Ty Law is the past, Duane Starks is the here and now. Michael Parente writes that after three years in Arizona, Starks is eager to get back onto the big stage of the playoffs and show what he can do. Kilgore also has a piece on Starks, who he says has a penchant for making the big plays, as evidenced by his four interceptions in six playoff games and the interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV. Hector Longo has a look at Tom Brady, who is keeping busy with his increased workload with the departure of Charlie Weis. Thompson has a quick piece on Mike Vrabel and his football intelligence. Kilgore’s notebook looks at the release of Andy Stokes, and at the tight end position in general. Curran’s notebook says that with Christian Fauria and Jed Weaver battling it out for the third tight end spot, the Patriots have an embarrassment of riches at that position. Parente’s notebook also leads with Stokes being cut. Thompson’s notebook looks at the Patriots getting ready for the preseason opener on Friday night.

Steve Conroy and Fluto Shinzawa look at new Bruin Alexei Zhamnov, and his quest for a Stanley Cup. The Herald has a Bruins depth chart, looking at the team as it is presently constituted. James Murphy looks at the return to Boston of Shawn McEachern.

Bill Griffith reports on Jerry Remy getting his extension from NESN which carries him though 2010. John Molori’s Media Blitz has a look at how NFL holdouts are being viewed in the media, has a look at Dale Arnold taking on a hockey caller, and has a look at Steve Buckley’s Old Time Baseball game. Bob Raissman in the New York Daily News takes a look at ESPN’s Karl Ravech pressing Joe Morgan on the topic of Rafael Palmeiro, and not letting the Hall of Fame second baseman off the hook.